Clinical marker and therapeutic agent in kidney stone disease and methods of use

Abstract

Treating patients prophylactically and therapeutically with dicitrate cyclic diester (dicitrate) can prevent or reduce the effects of calcification-related disease, including some types of kidney stones.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method for inhibiting calcification, said method comprising the application or administration of dicitrate cyclic diester, or salt thereof. 
     
     
       2. A method for treating a pathologic calcification condition, said treatment comprising the administration to a patient of an effective amount of dicitrate cyclic diester, or salt of said compound. 
     
     
       3. The method, according to claim 2, wherein said pathologic calcification condition is manifested as a condition selected from the group consisting of kidney stone disease, arteriosclerosis, blood coagulation or hypercoagulation, gall stones, bone calcium deposits, and dental calculus. 
     
     
       4. The treatment, according to claim 2, wherein said administration of said compound is a prophylactic treatment. 
     
     
       5. The treatment, according to claim 2, wherein said administration of said compound is a therapeutic treatment. 
     
     
       6. The method, according to claim 2, wherein said treatment comprises the oral administration of said compound to a patient. 
     
     
       7. The method, according to claim 6, wherein said oral administration is in the form of a dietary supplement. 
     
     
       8. A pharmaceutical composition comprising dicitrate cyclic diester or salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.